Strategy for SEN 2007 - 2010 - Plans for Implementation

Following on from Cabinet approval for the SEN Strategy at the end of January, we have been working to establish a new project management structure using the PRINCE2 project management methodology to support the implementation of Phase 1 of the strategy. I am pleased to confirm that the SEN Strategy Project Board met on Friday 02 March and approved our full project initiation document, including the project organisational structure and project plan. Copies of these documents will be available on our website shortly.

The project plan, which covers the three year Phase 1 implementation has been chunked into stages. Stage 1 will last from April until July 2007 and will include five key projects:

1. Complex Needs Schools Project: Although the overall model for the complex needs school has been agreed, there is still work to be completed to consider some of the more practical and detailed elements of the model. Following on from the work completed by the SEN Review projects and the 2006 consultation, this project will further develop and refine the complex needs school model. In addition to the physical make up of a complex needs school, this project will need to consider such detail as service level agreements, lead specialisms and admission and exit guidance.



2. Specialist Resource Base Project: Although the overall model for the specialist resource base has been agreed, there is still work to be completed to consider some of the more practical and detailed elements of the model. Following on from the work completed by the SEN Review projects and the 2006 consultation, this project will further develop and refine the specialist resource base model. This project will need to consider such detail as the key elements of the different types of specialist resource base (autism, learning, language and behaviour). It will also need to consider and develop service level agreements and admission and exit guidance.



3. Training and Development Project: Building on the work completed by the SEN Review project teams, this project will need to consider the training and development implications of the SEN Strategy, in particular the development of complex needs schools and specialist resource bases and develop a training and development plan to ensure that all staff are equipped with the relevant skills and knowledge in preparation for implementation.



4. Area Decision Making Project: There are clear links between the work which is being led by the Area Directors to develop single area decision making panels for all children and young people and our plans to develop the area special and additional needs partnerships. This project will consider some of the implications of the single area decision making panel and set up the area special and additional needs partnerships. The project will also begin to consider the directory of services for each area and what this will look like as the strategy progresses.



5. Residential Provision Project: This project will initially involve a feasibility study to consider the development of residential and short break provision for children and young people with special and additional needs across the County.

Another important element of the Stage 1 project plan will be a series of local area consultations to consider the precise location of future complex needs school and specialist resource base provision across the County. This consultation is likely to take place during April, May and June and like last years consultation, will involve a variety of consultation methods, including consultation events, written consultation and focus groups.

All of those schools who will be directly impacted by the implementation of Phase 1 of the SEN Strategy, including those schools who currently have provision, those who have expressed an interest in hosting provision and all special schools will receive a letter in the next couple of weeks providing them with more specific information relating to their schools in advance of the consultation.

We hope that you find this update helpful. If you do have any queries or wish to discuss further, please do not hesitate to contact Michael Bateman, Strategy Manager, SEN and CWD or Suzy Leverett, SEN Strategy Project Manager by telephone 0344 800 8020 or by email.